Auf dem Weg zur demokratischen Konsolidierung? Die Parlamentswahlen vom Juni 1996 in BangladeschChristian Wagner

ASIEN – Nr. 62 (1997) pp. 26–45

The Bangladeshi parliamentary elections of 12th June 1996 were remarkable for the political development of the country in various ways. For the first time the opposition won the elections after the parliament had completed its term according to the constitution and for the first time a constitutional transfer of power took place. These events are remarkable in a country whose political development has been shaped by different types of authoritarian regimes. In addition, Bangladesh still belongs to the group of least developed countries with a GDP of 220 US-Dollars. This raises the question how a consolidation of democracy can be achieved? The main argument is that on the one hand the political elites have to find lasting solutions for the socio-economic crisis of the country and have to restore the law and order situation. On the other hand, the political development between 1994 an 1996 shows that the far bigger challenge seems to be that they have to submit themselves at the same time to the selfimposed rules of democracy.